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AZL - 64423 - Locomotive, Diesel, Alco PA/PB - Freedom Train - 1776

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Z Scale - AZL - 64423 - Locomotive, Diesel, Alco PA/PB - Freedom Train - 1776 Image Courtesy of AZL
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BrandAZL
Stock Number64423
Original Retail Price$248.00
ManufacturerAZL
Body StyleAZL Diesel Engine ALCO PA
Prototype VehicleLocomotive, Diesel, Alco PA/PB (Details)
Road or Company NameFreedom Train (Details)
Road or Reporting Number1776
Additional Markings/SloganSpirit of 1776
Paint Color(s)White with Red & Blue Stripes and Gold Eagle
Print Color(s)Gold
Coupler TypeAZL AutoLatch
Coupler MountBody-Mount
Wheel TypeChemically Blackened Metal
DCC ReadinessDCC-Ready
Release Date2022-07-01
Item CategoryLocomotive
Model TypeDiesel
Model SubtypeALCO
Model VarietyPA1
RegionNorth America
Prototype EraNA Era III: Transition (1939 - 1957)
Years Produced1946-1953



Prototype History:
ALCO PA (DL-304/DL-305) refers to a family of A1A-A1A diesel locomotives built to haul high-speed passenger trains that were built in Schenectady, New York, in the United States by a partnership of the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) and General Electric (GE) between June, 1946 and December, 1953. They were of a cab unit design, and both cab-equipped lead A unit PA and cabless booster B unit PB models were built. ALCO's beautiful PA-1 is one of America's most famous locomotives. It was ALCO's entry into the passenger train diesel craze, competing directly with the E-Units from EMD. The first PA1 celebrated Alco's 75,000th loco to roll out of the erecting shop.

The PAs, as well as their cousins, the ALCO FAs, were born as a result of Alco's development of a new diesel engine design, the Model 244. In early 1944, development started on the new design. In 1946, this new locomotive made its debut on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. Southern Pacific PA's #6055 and 6056 were later put into service on the SP's coastal division, pulling trains such as the Morning Daylight.
Having more horsepower than their leading competitor, Alco felt that they had a fleet-ready competitive product. PA1's were sleek, stylish, powerful, and were very well suited for America's passenger and fast freight trains. Additionally, their 65' 8" bodies became excellent billboard advertising for the railroads that they served with pride.
The PA-1/PB-1 were rated 2,000 hp (1,490 kW) and the PA-2/PB-2 2,250 hp (1,680 kW). A total of 297 PA/PB have been built between 1946 and 1953.

ALCO locomotives were also used in service with the famous "California Zephyr" passenger train, adopting a number of paint schemes, the most famous of which was perhaps the "Prospector" paint scheme. This paint scheme was a striking two-tone silver and gold arrangement, highlighted by a series of four black stripes going down the side of the body.

Read more on Wikipedia
and on American-Rails.com
Road Name History:
The Freedom Train was a seven-car train that traveled across the United States from September 1947 until January 1949. It was dedicated to the history of American democracy and contained some of the country's most priceless historical documents.
The idea of the Freedom Train was to allow all Americans—from all over the country—the opportunity to view these important documents and learn more about our nation and its history. The Freedom Train was extremely popular—more than 3.5 million Americans came to view the documents it held.

“Following World War II, the American Heritage Foundation assembled a special train to tour the country in order to display historical documents. Headed by a brand new Alco PA-1 diesel, the train consisted of seven cars - AT&SF baggage 1896, three PRR P70R coaches converted to display cars (the windows were plated over) and three Pullman sleepers to house the staff and Marines assigned to protect the train's contents. The train was assembled at Pennsylvania Railroad's Wilmington, DE, shops. The tour began in Philadelphia, PA, on September 17, 1947. During the tour, which lasted a bit over a year, the train traveled 33,000 miles in all 48 states on 52 railroads. The train's look was created by Alco designer Chester Mack” (quoted from Microscale decal sheet 60-1065).

Read more on The Freedom train, 1947-1949, by Fred Klein.
Read more on Wikipedia
Read more on The Story of America's Freedom Trains.
Read more on the U.S. National Archives
Brand/Importer Information:
AZL is the leader in North American Z scale locomotives and rolling stock. Since 2000, AZL has released a vast variety of freight, passenger and locomotives. AZL continues to push the boundaries of Z scale with amazing details and incredible performance. No matter if you are looking to run steam, or the most modern diesels, AZL has something for you.
Item created by: CNW400 on 2022-07-01 14:59:59

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